Social Anxiety Research Paper

Anxiety is one of the most well-known disorders across the globe, but it comes in many different forms effecting numerous types of people. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is one of the main run-offs of anxiety that exists in the world today. It is absolutely normal to feel a little nervous or anxious before trying something new; however, Social Anxiety impels the individual diagnosed to feel distress and agitation in most, if not all, social situations that they partake in because they are afraid of the possible embarrassment that may come from it (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013).

The DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) defines social anxiety as, “A persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by

"Social anxiety is the fear of interaction with other people that brings on self-consciousness, feelings of being negatively judged and evaluated"(Richards). An example of feeling social anxiety may be present in front of a large group of people. Something as simple as responding to questions in class can spark social anxiety. As for myself, I avoid raising my hand in class, even if I may know the answer, for the fear of being wrong and judged by others. When a teacher calls on me in class my heart races, my cheeks turn a bright shade of red, and I feel as though I cannot breathe.

Social anxiety is fear of communication with other individuals and it may bring feelings of self-consciousness (Kashdan, Farmer, Adams,

For example if you have a fast heartbeat, trouble catching your breath, confusion or feeling out of body, Muscle tension, Upset stomach, and dizziness or lightheadedness are all signs that you may have social anxiety. Social anxiety disorder can also be caused from emotional and psychological symptoms. For example, Fear of situations where you can be judged, fear of blushing, sweating, trembling or having a shaky voice, expecting the worse out of situations and avoiding being the center of attention are emotional symptom. Worrying about social situations or worrying about a social event for weeks are Psychological symptoms. People who try to avoid any social situations also can be a sign of social anxiety. For example, if a person avoids attending parties, Social gathering, talking to strangers, making eye contact or entering a room where people are already seated at or avoid any public places, are symptoms of social anxiety disorder. In the article, “Social Anxiety Disorder” (Mayoclinic.com) said,” Signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include persistent: Fear of situations in which you may be judged, Worrying about embarrassing or humiliating yourself, Concern that you'll offend someone, intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers, fear that others will notice that you look anxious, fear of physical symptoms

Some people experience anxiety in most social and performance situations, a condition known as generalized social anxiety disorder. While other people with social phobia, anxiety are connected with specific social situations, such as speaking to strangers, eating at restaurants, or going to parties (Kirsch & Henry, 2009−2015,).

Social anxiety disorder, which is also called social phobia involves overwhelming worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations. The worry often centers on a fear of being judged by others, or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or lead to ridicule. The fear may be made worse by a lack of social skills or experience in social situations. The anxiety can build into a panic attack. As a result of the fear, the person endures certain social situations in extreme distress or may avoid them altogether. In addition, people with social anxiety disorder often suffer anticipatory anxiety, the fear of a situation before it even happens, for days or weeks before the event. In many cases, the person is aware that the fear is unreasonable, yet is unable to overcome it. (Goldberg)

     Social anxiety is the fear of social situations and the interaction with other people that can automatically bring on feelings of self-consciousness, judgement, evaluation, and inferiority. Put differently social anxiety is the fear and anxiety of being judged and evaluated negatively by other people, leading to feelings of inadequacy, embarrassment, humiliation, and depression. If a person usually becomes anxious in social situations, but seems fine when they are by them selves, then social anxiety may be the problem.

You feel your hands trembling, your heart beats rapidly and your whole body is completely soaked in sweat. Many eyes stare at you intently awaiting for you to just… speak. The mere thought is extremely terrifying for you and all you want to do is crawl into a hole where you feel the safest. Social anxiety a persistent fear of being scrutinized or judged by others in social situations. Also, known as social phobia, an anxiety disorder which a person has excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. Approximately 5.3 million American adults ages 18 to 54, or about 3.7 percent of people in this age group in a given year, have social phobia.

The difference between social anxiety disorder and other disorders is that a person is capable of enjoying themselves. This is because they are not impacted as severely physically since their fear is only stimulated in the event that they will have to be

Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) can be described as an extreme, persistent fear of being scrutinized or judged by others in social situations. This fear may lead to feelings of embarrassment, humiliation and self-consciousness. People who suffer from this condition may “feel powerless against their anxiety” (ADAA). These emotions often interfere with daily activities, such as school, work and personal relationships. The person might begin to withdraw socially or avoid situations in which he or she is afraid. Millions of Americans endure this devastating condition every day of their lives. There are several causes, symptoms and treatments.

Social anxiety is “a feeling of discomfort, fear, or worry that is centered on our interactions with other people and involves a concern with being judged negatively, evaluated, or looked down upon by others” (Social Anxiety Support, 2014). Social anxiety can affect anyone. Individuals with social anxiety tend to prefer to keep to themselves because they are afraid others will judge them negatively and have a hard time interacting socially.

The Social anxiety Association classifies social anxiety as the fear of interacting with other and social situations. Social anxiety causes fear and anxiety in most if not all aspects of ones lives. Social anxiety is the fear of being negatively judge or evaluated by others. It is a chronic disease that it does not go away on its own, only direct cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people overcome their social anxiety. There are a few situations that can trigger social anxiety such as being introduced to

Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is a disorder in which a person has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. Social Anxiety causes intense nervousness and self-consciousness arises from a fear of being closely watched, judged, and criticized by others.

Feeling anxious before giving a speech or presenting a project is normal, but when that anxiety carries over into being nervous before going to a casual party or meeting up with friends, that is when it might be more than just nerves. Social anxiety is one of the most common forms of anxiety. About fifteen million adults in America suffer from social anxiety, with the typical onset age being thirteen (Social Anxiety Disorder). Overcoming social anxiety takes tremendous efforts and can take many years. There are many different methods people have tried using to overcome their fears. Two common ones people use are learning to control their breath and cognitive-behavioral therapy. With persistence and determination, people can learn to deal with their social anxiety the healthy way, or better yet, overcome it completely.